The Gospel According to Linus - Mark 9:14-29

Isaiah 50:4-10; James 3:1-12; Mark 9:14-29

The Twelve were in trouble in today’s Gospel; they couldn’t exorcize the evil spirit in a man’s son. The boy’s father was helpless too. Jesus had no problem with the task, and He exhorted the disciples to turn to Him, saying, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” Our tongues are not employed for prayer that often. The Epistle notes, however, that like the rudder of a ship, they are powerful. Only Isaiah, prefiguring our Lord’s attitude, has the right outlook. Relying on our heavenly Father, he is ready for a fight. Our Lord can take care of our problems; we must rely on His strength and caring. The Introit has a good encouragement: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage.”

You are always welcome. Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship and Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as Children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Gracelutheranhi@gmail.com gracelutheranhi.com

He Has Done All Things Well - Mark 7:31-37

Is. 35:4-7a; James 2:1-0, 14-18; Mark 7:31-37

Since the fall and expulsion from Eden, the ramifications of sin have been quite evident. People do not have to be worse sinners than anyone else to become blind, deaf, lame, or mute. They need not sin more than other people to find themselves unfairly treated in court. How can those problems be reversed? It takes God’s power. The Gospel tells of how Jesus cast out demons and healed the deaf. He seeks to make such great reversals today! Through the letter to James, we, God’s faith-filled people, are encouraged to treat our neighbors as ourselves and do more than give them lip service. But the inability of the disciples to exorcize a demon is a startling reminder that all things are possible only for God, to whom we must entrust all our problems.

You are always welcome. Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship and Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as Children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Gracelutheranhi@gmail.com gracelutheranhi.com

In the Heart of God - Mark 7:14-23

Deut. 4:1-2, 6-9; Eph. 6:10-20; Mark 7:14-23

There is a lot of good news in the Readings of the day, but you won’t find it in today’s Holy Gospel, which points out that our fallen hearts produce much of the evil around us. Likewise, the Old Testament Reading warns against not telling the next generation about God’s goodness. But the Epistle, which uses the imagery of a suit of armor, tells us to rely on God and His gracious goodness. And the Introit has the Gospel in full measure! While asking for God’s forgiveness; we also rejoice that He re-creates us, cleaning us inside out. What a great reason to gather to sing His praises each Sunday!

You are always welcome. Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship and Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as Children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Gracelutheranhi@gmail.com gracelutheranhi.com

The Commandments of God, or the commandments of men? What to do?

Isaiah 29:11-19; Ephesians 5:22-23

Tradition is a profound gift, but it can also be a problem. When the works of our hands are at odds with the faith of our hearts or when the faith of our hearts no longer shapes our lives, we are in trouble. Jesus calls out the empty tradition that begs for faith and the timid faith that fears bold confession. In so doing, our Lord rightly places the gift and blessing of tradition, not the dead faith of the living but the living faith of the dead, to encourage us in our own believing.

You are always welcome. Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship and Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as Children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Gracelutheranhi@gmail.com gracelutheranhi.com

Proverbs 9:1-10; Ephesians 5:6-21; John 6:51-69

Living in a world of empty promises and fake offers, we can easily become jaded to the things of God. In our skepticism, the temptation is to treat the invitation of God the same way we meet the scams that fill our emails and text messages. But the Lord does not speak empty words nor does He give promises He will not keep. Faith rejoices in Him who is genuine and who genuinely supplies what we need. Because of this, we build our lives upon the firm ground of this hope.

You are always welcome. Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship and Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as Children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Gracelutheranhi@gmail.com gracelutheranhi.com

Food for the Journey (John 6:35-51; 1 Kings 19:1-8)

1 Kings 19:1-8; Ephesians 4:17-5:2; John 6:35-51

We are quick to lament when we have had enough—enough trouble, trial, temptation, and turmoil. In the midst of our despair and sorrow, the Lord comes to us with the promise: “I am enough.” All our lives we wrestle with that statement. Sometimes it is easy to answer what troubles us with “Jesus is enough.” Other times we fight against the sufficiency of Christ in a world of affliction, pain, sorrow, and doubt. Like Elijah of old, the only answer we have against the powers of the world and the devil is Christ, the living bread come down from heaven to give us strength for this life and the life which is eternal.

You are always welcome. Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship and Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as Children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Gracelutheranhi@gmail.com gracelutheranhi.com

How do you measure Christ? (John 6:22-35)

Exodus 16:2-15; Ephesians 4:1-6; John 6:22-35

When it comes to biblical foods, bread is prominent throughout the pages of Scripture. The first mention of bread is found in Genesis, the first book of the Bible, where it is an indicator of fellowship. When Abram (later called Abraham) returns from a successful military campaign, local tribal rulers in his home region who were known as kings came out to meet him in the Kings Valley. Among these rulers was Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who brought out bread and wine as part of the welcome for Abram (Genesis 14:18). Although a common dietary component in biblical times, bread that was given and shared had great symbolic value. Since the earliest form of the Lord’s Supper included a ceremonial breaking of the bread, Christian worship in New Testament times came to be known by that name. Luke records in Acts that the first Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (2:42). As we gather for worship with the breaking of the bread, we also remember those ties of fellowship shared by Melchizedek and Abram, by the first Christians, and by the faithful of every generation!

You are always welcome. Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship and Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as Children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Gracelutheranhi@gmail.com gracelutheranhi.com

Genesis 9:8-17; Ephesians 3:14-21; Mark 6:45-56

Sometimes the brightness of the day we are experiencing can affect how we perceive the space in which we are worshiping. A bright, sunny day can lift our spirits; a dark, cloudy day can have the opposite effect. Throughout the pages of Scriptures, God is associated with brightness and light. His setting of the rainbow in the heavens, recorded in the book of Genesis, is a symbol of God’s promises to His faithful people. Images mentioned in our hymns also attest to the powerful brightness of God, as in “O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright” (LSB 874), written by Ambrose of Milan in the fourth century. Whether a day has sunny skies or dull clouds or even rainbows, the very presence of God among us brings an eternal brightness to our time of worship.

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2; Ephesians 2: 11-22

Tending sheep is a mainstay occupation in many countries around the world. The American Sheep Industry Association includes more than 100,000 sheep producers from every part of the nation. Statewide associations are located across the nation from Maine to Hawaii. Some use the historic title of “wool growers” in their group name; others call themselves “Shepherds Federations.” In referring to Himself as the “Good Shepherd,” Jesus identified His ministry as one given to caring for and nurturing His precious lambs. One hymn states simply, “I am Jesus’ little lamb” (LSB 740:1). It is a faithful confession for people of all ages!

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Amos 7:7-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29

We are often reminded things in this life don’t last. This includes everything from material things and earthly goods to health and well-being as age increases, to relationships we treasure, and ultimately mortality, which leads to death. Yet just as things in this life are temporary, with joy we are pointed frequently to what is everlasting. Adopted as God’s own children, we are given an eternal inheritance through the work of Jesus Christ. Amid the temporary things of a broken and sinful world, we keep our focus on Christ and the eternal blessings assured “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6).

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Ezekial 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Mark 6:1-13

Life is not always easy. Life in and of faith is often less easy. In our readings today we encounter a few people who faced difficulty and challenges amid their godly callings. Ezekiel would be sent to speak the Word of God to a rebellious people who wouldn’t happily receive the message. The apostle Paul would face his own personal struggles with his “thorn . . . in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7) as he brought the Gospel to many on his mission journeys. Jesus Himself would not be welcomed as Savior when He returned to His hometown of Nazareth. Though things were far from easy, God would bless the work that He called His people and His own Son to do. Even in our times of difficulty and challenges living as His people, we are reminded of the same truth from the Lord: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Mark 5:21-43; Lamentations 3:22-33; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-25;

Our guest preacher is Vicar Clayton Dodge. He message; “Two for One” is based upon the Gospel Reading from Mark 5:21-24. We welcome Vicar Clayton Dodge as our preacher this Sunday. His sermon title “Two for One” is based upon the Gospel lesson from Mark 5:21-24 Lamentations 3:22-33; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-25; Mark 5:21-43

In 2009, the New York Times reported on a study finding the average American consumed about 34GB of data and information each day. Since that report, and over a decade later, the amount our brains consume daily is estimated to have more than doubled. In short, we are exposed to a lot of information and a lot of noise! Yet how many of those consuming “voices” around us bring peace, comfort, and hope?

Amid a noisy world, there is only one voice that truly gives us what we need. The Word of Christ is the voice that heals the sick and raises the dead (Mark 5:21–43). The Word of Christ is the voice that brings peace, comfort, and hope. The Word of Christ is the only voice that reminds us His mercies are new every morning with His great faithfulness (Lamentations 3:23).

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Job 38:1-11; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41

For all of the Bible’s reassurances of how much God loves us, cares for us, protects and guides us, it is, nevertheless, of our fallen, sinful nature that we still at times harbor doubts and even despairingly want to argue with God Himself and question His love and promises. The undying question is “Why?” The troubles, setbacks, trials, tragedies, and reverses in life do that. The Word before us today describes those times with the imagery of the destructive power of raging water and the greater power of God to deliver from threatening distress. Even when threatened with a raging flood, we are reminded that our help is still in the God who created everything. The trials of the otherwise “blameless and upright” man of God named Job (1:1) and the Lord’s patient yet commanding love in His answer to Job’s complaint should remind us to live our faith in daily repentance yet always still in praise of our saving God.

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Ezekiel 17:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Mark 4:26-34

Once again, the Word of God in our ears this day speaks of the glorious and happy goal that God’s salvation promises to all who believe in His saving mercy, grace, and love. From of old, the Lord has promised a secure future in His presence both now and especially in the eternity of life in the resurrection. Though we experience the weakness and maybe even dread of growing old, by faith we are like firm trees planted by the strength of God. That faith is the very creation of God the Holy Spirit, which grows and remains strong regardless of our circumstances. So even though we become discouraged at times, our confidence is always renewed by God as we remain steadfast in connection with His mighty Word.

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Genesis 3:8-15; 2Corintihans 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35

In the face of a world seeming to be falling apart, and maybe even your personal “world,” God’s Word has great and convincing comfort and hope for you this day. That hope, however, begins with knowing the real cause of our troubles. It is our sin and alienation from God that is at the root of all anger, frustration, bitterness, and death. We easily “lose heart” when all seems hopeless for us. The center and substance of hope in God is Jesus Christ whose resurrection from all that is darkness and death to us is the means and strength of faith to endure and stand firm through all that troubles us. For “if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11). Far from being merely a blind hope for future deliverance, believing in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come far outweighs everything and anything that can happen to us now. Living in this hope, we do not lose heart.

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Isaiah 6:1-8; Acts 2: 14a, 22-36; John 3:1-17

On Trinity Sunday we ponder the great mystery of God—that God is one and that this one God is three persons. The liturgy in its proclamation focuses on the divine mystery of the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity is not so much truth to be understood as it is truth to be confessed. We confess the Father from whom all things come, the Son who is the incarnate Lord Jesus Christ, and the Spirit who proceeds from the Father through the Son. Throughout the centuries of the Christian Church, the confession of the Holy Trinity has been a hallmark of faithful believers. We sing of the Trinity and, with the profound words of the Athanasian Creed, we confess the Holy Trinity to be the one true God.

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Ezek. 37:1-14; Acts 2:1-21: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

We are people of the Word and people of the Spirit. The Word is where the ministry of the Spirit is at work leading and guiding the church and each of us as members of that church by Baptism and faith. The Spirit leads us to Christ so that Christ may present us to the Father, washed in His blood and wearing the white robes of His righteousness. This is not good news for the few but the message God has called us to proclaim to all the peoples. That which is most spiritual is not what is bestowed apart from the concrete or real but what is conveyed through the means of grace. Our life together in the Spirit is manifest in our life together hearing, believing, and rejoicing in His Word and Sacraments.

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Acts 1:12-26; 1 John 5:9-15: John 17:11b-19

The Easter season finds its culmination in the high priestly prayer of Jesus. With this we are reminded that the Lord is praying for us, for our faith, and for our unity in the faith, so that we may fulfill His purpose in making known all that He has done. It should be of great comfort to us that on the night of His betrayal, our Lord does not pray for Himself but for His disciples and those who will believe through their witness. As we confront the mission of the church to be His witnesses still, He does not relent praying for us still. United in faith and living together our common life under His Word and at His Table, we are strengthened in unity and in mission.

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

Acts 10:34-48; 1 John 5:1-8: John 15:19-17

The hymn text “Abide with Me,” by English clergyman Henry Lyte, has a history that assists in making the words of hope and comfort in the text memorable. Yet, in reflecting on the true importance of the hymn, it is not the circumstances surrounding why it was written that gives it beauty but the words themselves that the author wrote. In timeless poetry, Lyte underscores the meaning of God’s presence in the life of the Christian as he writes: “I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless”. Our Lord abides with us not only at eventide, but at all times and in all places through Word and Sacrament. Here and now let us bring to this caring God our thanks and praise!

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

“Our Good Shepherd”

Acts 8;26-40; 1 John 4:1-11; John 15:1-8

When Jesus uses the image of the vine and speaks of vineyards, He is choosing something very familiar to His hearers. Viticulture is well known around the world. More than eighteen million acres worldwide is used for growing grapes—from Panama to Tajikistan to Zimbabwe! Today, the cultivation of vineyards is still an important agricultural component in both Israel and the Jordan, lands where Jesus walked and taught. Life in the vineyard is vital! As branches grafted to the Vine that is Christ, we are vitalized by His power. As we worship, God’s life-supporting power infuses us! It is time to continue growing!

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

“Our Good Shepherd”

Acts 4:1-12; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18

Flocks of sheep can number in the hundreds or even thousands. An annual trek from winter quarters to summer pastures and back again at a location in rural Idaho consistently draws hundreds of spectators to a location where the sheep must cross a major highway to reach their destination. Keeping track of two or three thousand sheep on the move is quite a task! Jesus, our Good Shepherd, knows how to care for not just thousands but millions of His sheeplike people. The prophet Isaiah says of the Lord God that He “will tend His flock like a shepherd” (40:11). Assured and reassured that we are part of His flock, we travel through life following the guidance of our caring Shepherd!

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

“Amazing” - John 20:19-31

Acts 3;11-21; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36-49

“Amazing” is a commonly used word in the English that has a rich history. It came into common usage in the 14th century as a variant of the older root word “amasod,” which meant stupefied or confounded or overwhelmed with sudden surprise or wonder. The word “amazing” shows up several times in hymns that we sing—from describing the action of God in the birth of Jesus as “love amazing” (LSB 375:1) to bringing to our hearts and minds that in His suffering to pay the price of our sins, our Lord showed “amazing pity” (LSB 437:2). Two other hymns refer to the “amazing grace” of God (LSB 744:1; 558:2), and in another hymn, the author of the text rejoices that God “has done amazing things to me” (LSB 934:2). The season of Easter is a time for us to be truly amazed and filled with the praise of our amazing Lord!

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

“Do Not Disbelieve, But Believe” - John 20:19-31

When Thomas finally met Jesus, alive again after Easter, he went from demanding proof to a personal confession of faith, “My Lord and my God.” It would have been a different story had the news been false. The rest of the Jerusalem congregation truly exhibited Easter faith when they became a welcoming community, one that shared with newcomers whatever they needed. The news was unbelievable, but so were the responses—in word and deed as faith saw the freeing truth: we need fear nothing, not even death. We have heard the news as well. How shall we respond?

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

EASTER FESTIVAL SERVICE!

Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

You are always welcome. The Easter Festival Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed our annual Easter Breakfast.

GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE

MAUNDY THURSDAY

“This is My Body..., This is My Blood.”

The death of Jesus on the cross is not cause for continued sorrow or ongoing relief. As the Epistle points out, our Lord’s giving of Himself for our sin makes His a glorious death. It causes “every tongue [to] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11). How do we do that? First, our Lord’s death draws us to Him, where we find forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Then, each day we are given opportunity to die to sin ourselves and to receive Christ’s forgiveness. It is an ongoing process that involves interacting with the people around us, with whom we share Christ’s invitation to heaven itself. We sing “Hosanna,” which means “save us.” Because of the cross, we are confident that we have been saved already.

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

“Elbowing for Position” - Mark 10:35-45

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:32-45

Today’s Epistle speaks of Jesus, our High Priest. High priests are called to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people as well as themselves. Jesus is a different sort of high priest who offers Himself as sacrifice, once for all, that we might be forgiven and granted eternal salvation. In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims that He came not to be served, but to serve. He came to offer His life as a ransom for us. As we follow Jesus, we are called to reflect His actions and attitude of service and sacrifice. May we likewise go to serve and sacrifice for others.

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

“Who Came Up With That Stupid Idea?” - Numbers 21:4-9

Numbers 21:4-9; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21

We hear today of eternal life that is given to us because of God’s great love for us, shown to us in perhaps the most famous Bible verse, John 3:16. This verse speaks of God’s genuine love for us and the world shown in Jesus’ death on the cross for us. The love of God never ends. God’s love is present here and now and extends into eternal life as eternal love. May we be so encouraged by God’s love to share it with others. Thanks be to God for such love!

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.

“Christ Came to Clean House” - John 2:13-35

Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 2:13-35

In our Gospel today, we find Jesus clearing the temple of all those who have made it a house of trade. Jesus disrupts not just the sinfulness of these practices, showing a different side of Him than we expect to see. He also disrupted the status quo—everyday realities that had come to be accepted in the temple. May Jesus so disrupt our lives where it is needed.

You are always welcome.  Sunday Divine Service begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship, And Adult Christian Education Hour, as well as children’s Sunday School for 3-5 year old children.